Universidad Católica de Santa María

About

Universidad Católica de Santa María (UCSM) is a prominent private university located in the historic city of Arequipa, Peru, established in 1961. It is best known for its strong programs in Health Sciences, particularly Medicine and Dentistry, as well as robust faculties in Engineering, Law, and Business Administration, making it a leading institution in southern Peru. For international students, UCSM offers a rich cultural immersion experience, primarily through its Oficina de Relaciones Internacionales, which facilitates exchange programs with partner universities worldwide. While instruction is predominantly in Spanish, the university provides support to help international students adapt to the academic and cultural environment, fostering a vibrant exchange community. A distinctive characteristic is its commitment to regional development and research, often leveraging Arequipa's unique geographical and cultural context.

Background

The Catholic University of Santa María (UCSM) (Spanish: Universidad Católica de Santa María) is a local private University in Arequipa, Peru, and has been in continuous operation since it was founded on 6 December 1961. It was founded by William Daniel Morris Christy, an American priest from St. Louis, Missouri. The University first came to the attention of various archaeological research teams after the American archaeologist, Dr. Johan Reinhard, discovered in 1995, the body of a 500-year-old Inca mummy later named "Juanita" on the top of Mount Ampato near Arequipa. The mummy was later brought to the University for further research and is currently encased in a special glass box and kept at constant cold temperatures to conserve her body.

Location

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